> How does one go about actually copyrighting one's own work? Actual
>procedure and address's would be of great help.
>
>
>Russ Knipe
>B.S.U.
Given the theme of this list, your question is fundamental. I do encourage you to use your Web browser for either the Yahoo Internet directory (http://akebono.stanford.edu/yahoo) from which you may click on law: intellectual property and then on Copyrights or else find ``Law on the Web Master Index" which will point you to Copyright Resources on the Web, under which you can find ``Copyright FAQ" by Terry Carroll-Gopher version or the same in HTML version. Numerous other resources are there, including ``Search copyright Office Online Files at Library of Congress (Telnet)" and the Greguras, Egger, and Wong paper on multimedia content and copyright on the super highway. In the meantime, I can orient you with various essentials.
When you go about seeking a copyright for yourself, also keep in mind the general legal rule in copyright licensing as well; assume that any right not expressly granted in the license language is reserved by the owner (you). If you don't grant a specific right, others should assume they don't have it. From my familiarity of what us needed for multimedia content, your copyright will likely cover:
o copying, in whole or part
o performance rights
o public display rights
o the preparation of derivative works (modifications)
o public and distribution by any variety of methods on all media whether
now known or invented hereafter
Taken from ``Multimedia Law Handbook" by J. Dianne Brinson and Mark F. Radcliffe (first four chapters archived on-line with the Electronic Frontier Foundation):
*Copyright protection for your original (and ``fixed" in a tangible medium of expression) work does not extend to any idea, procedure, process, system, method of operation, concept, principle, or discovery, regardless of the form in which it is described, explained, illustrated or embodied in such work.
*Registration with the Copyright Ofice is optional (but you have to register before you file an infringment suit) with a copyright notice taking any of three forms: a ``c" in a circle followed by a date and name, ``Copyright" followed by a date and name, or ``Copr." followed by a date and name. Basic to the Registration Procedure is to fill out a two-page application form and send it along with the required deposit of copies of your work. You must enclose a check for the fee ($20) to the Copyright Office. You can get up to 10 free copies of the application forms by calling the Copyright office's Forms Hotline: (202) 707-9100. They offer a free circular called Copyright Basics (Circular 1). Call their general information number at 202-707-3000 to inquire into forms and circulars you're not sure of that you may want.
Even if you've secured your copyright, you may find yourself entering into a contract for actual transactions, so you may request request consultation with an experienced attorney. Not knowing where you are or what the nature of your original work is, I can suggest attorney/authors I've worked with who have expertise in intellectual property protection issues outside and within the realm of high technology here in Silicon Valley: Fred Greguras, fmg[_at_]fwpa.com or Mark Radcliffe, mradcliffe[_at_]gcwf.com of Fenwick & West or Gray Cary Ware Fredenrich respectively.
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